An Autumn Morning at Taylor-Bray Farm with HCT’s Preschool Explorers
Reflections by Naturalist & Walk Leader Andrea Higgins
Photos courtesy of HCT Outreach & Administrative Coordinator Halley Steinmetz
What a spectacular autumn day for Harwich Conservation Trust’s Preschool Explorers to gather at the beautiful Taylor-Bray Farm in Yarmouth for an outdoor adventure. We were welcomed with blue skies, sunshine, autumn-scented breezes, and crisp temperatures hinting at the cooler days to come.
Bird song filled the air including the calls of crows, nuthatches, blue jays, chickadees, red-winged blackbirds, and the farm’s resident rooster. Adding to the choir was an enthusiastic bray from the donkey; a loud and comical “hee-haw” that added an extra playfulness to this morning’s orchestra.
Taylor-Bray Farm volunteers Katherine, Elizabeth, and Lisa shared kind smiles to welcome Preschoolers and their families who were excited to learn about animal husbandry at this beautifully maintained historic farm. Four generations were in attendance for this morning’s adventures including our preschool children, parents, grandparents, and even a great-grandmother.
Elizabeth shared loads of wonderful information about chickens, including their care and diet. While tenderly cradling a chicken in her lap, she invited each Explorer to take turns feeding the fluffy feathered fowl a variety of treats including oyster shells, mealworms, and chicken feed mix. Youngsters bravely and confidently held out hands full of treats for the happy chicken to peck away.
We next met board member and farm volunteer Lisa, who taught us about the farm’s sheep, donkeys, and goats, making sure each child had an opportunity to pet all of our new furry friends. Then, she led us to the highland cattle, shaking a bag of produce to entice three generations of cattle to greet us including grandmother (Chloe), daughter (Spaghetti), and son (Bray). Showing off their long, shaggy, rust-colored coats, the gentle giants welcomed us with some wonderful “moos.” Each HCT Explorer had an opportunity to feed the cattle a treat of fresh fruits and veggies including peppers, zucchini, apples, potatoes, and carrots. The sound of children’s giggles echoed across the farm as the cattle gently gobbled up produce from tiny hands.
Explorers (with assistance and encouragement from Lisa) filled mini wagons with hay to deliver to the donkeys, goats, and sheep. They wore beaming smiles as they assisted with the morning feedings of the farm’s furry residents.
Once our farm friends were finished with their breakfast, we embarked on a scavenger hunt. Families gathered together as I handed out directions for this ‘Finds on the Farm’ game. Off they went, scampering around the property to find wheelbarrows, tractors, birdhouses, shovels, water troughs, birdhouses, and more.
Afterwards, we set off down the boardwalk to learn about the saltmarsh and its inhabitants. Next, a skip over to the picnic tables to listen to stories about farms, farm animals, and a barnyard dance.
Before we concluded our adventures for the day, I had one more special surprise: a hayride! Our driver, Marty, was another Taylor Bray Farm board member and volunteer. He navigated the tractor which pulled the wood wagon (and all of us sitting on top) down a beautiful trail through the woods, past trees loaded with cavity nests, moss lined ditches, a blueberry patch, and more stunning views of the marsh. We sat on bales of hay and pointed out birds as they flitted past.
Parents, grandparents, and children shared warm good-byes with each other, the farm, the marsh, and the many furry and feathered friends we met today.
Thank you, Taylor-Bray Farm for inviting HCT to visit once again to learn about the farm and its residents. And thank you to the kind and generous anonymous donor who has gifted these wonderful family programs to our community. Sincere appreciation to Lisa, Marty, Elizabeth, Katherine, and all the farm volunteers for sharing their knowledge, care, and love of the farm. And finally, thank you to all the awesome families who joined today’s program for your kindness and curiosity.
Happy Exploring.
Smiles,
Ms. Andrea
